APPENDIX F

Tribal Consultation Letters
U.S. Department 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

of Transportation Washington, DC 20590

Federal Railroad 

Administration

April 24, 2020

Apache Tribe of Oklahoma

Bob Komardley, Chairman

P.O. Box 1330

Anadarko, OK 73005

Re: Des Moines Transloading Facility

200 SE 15th Street, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa

Initiation of Section 106 Consultation with Native American Tribal Government

and Finding of No Adverse Effect

Dear Chairman Komardley:

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected the Des Moines Industrial – Transload 

Center to receive grant funding for the construction of a multi-modal transloading facility 

including trackage, docks, and warehousing within the Des Moines Metropolitan Area. 

Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing 

regulations (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 800) “Protection of Historic Properties” 

(Section 106), this letter is being transmitted: 1) to initiate the Section 106 consultation process 

for the undertaking, 2) to determine if there are any historic properties of religious or cultural 

significance to the Tribe that may be affected by the project, and 3) to seek concurrence from 

your office with FRA’s findings.

FRA, in coordination with Des Moines Industrial, LLC., is preparing an Environmental 

Assessment for the Project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

and is coordinating the NEPA process with consultation pursuant to Section 106.

Project Background

The concept of a transload facility, where cargo is delivered and transferred between rail and 

trucks, was developed over a decade of study on goods movement in Central Iowa. Several 

studies have concluded that a market exists in Des Moines to support the development of a 

transload facility.

In July 2018, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMAMPO) submitted 

an INFRA (Infrastructure for Rebuilding America) Grant Application to the U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT) seeking a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development 

(BUILD) Grant for this project. The application was selected for award of Federal funds in 

November 2018. In April 2019, Des Moines Industrial was formed to design, construct, operate 

and own the transload facility.
Current Undertaking

FRA’s current undertaking involves the construction of a transloading facility north of Martin 

Luther King Parkway in the area of SE 14th Street. The site covers approximately 40-acres and is 

located in the SE 1⁄4 of Section 3 and the SW 1⁄4 of Section 2, Township 78 North, Range 24 West 

in Des Moines, Iowa. The proposed project involves the construction of a railroad transload 

facility, which includes an office/warehouse, a transloading pad, proposed bulk materials

building, stormwater detention ponds, and an outdoor storage area. 

The purpose of the project is to improve the overall freight capacity and railroad options in the 

Des Moines metropolitan area; develop rail centric transportation options for existing businesses; 

expand existing transportation options to attract new industries to the region and support 

economic development in Central Iowa. 

Area of Potential Effects

As defined in National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) § 800.16(d), the Area of Potential 

Effects (APE) means “the geographic area or areas within which an undertaking may directly or 

indirectly cause alteration in the character of use of historic properties, if such properties exist. 

The area of potential effects is influenced by the scale and nature of the undertaking and may be 

different for different kinds of effects caused by the undertaking.”

The APE for archaeology was the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project, while the APE for 

the built environment was the immediate viewshed of the project site location. The Project 

boundary and the APE are shown on Exhibit 1.

Identification and Evaluation of Historic Properties

Archaeology 

A records search request was submitted to the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) for 

information regarding previously identified archaeological sites within or near the proposed 

project area (Iowa Site File Search No. 2020017, August 5, 2019). The records search reported 

that no archaeological sites have been previously recorded within the APE or within 328 feet 

(100 Meters) of the APE. The site file search did note that 45 archaeological sites have been 

identified within one mile of the APE. 

Numerous archaeological sites are known to be in the general vicinity, which suggested there 

was a high level of archaeological potential within the APE. This area is within a former river 

channel of the Des Moines River, and exhibits complex depositional conditions. Because of 

these factors, a desktop assessment was not sufficient to make a recommendation on the 

possibility of cultural resources being present within the project area. Therefore, a

geoarchaeological survey was recommended, which was used to guide a targeted Phase I 

archaeological survey of the proposed project area. A copy of the Archaeology Cultural 

Resources Desktop Assessment is enclosed.

A Geoarchaeological Study was conducted on September 26, 2019. A total of 12 cores were 

extracted and examined, which found that the geomorphological conditions and landforms 

identified within the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project would not be conducive to long 
term human settlement or occupation of the project area. A copy of the Geoarchaeological Study 

can be found within the enclosed Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey described below.

A Desktop Survey was finalized on November 7, 2019. No cultural resources have been 

previously recorded within the LOD, though it indicates that the western portion of the APE 

potentially contained resources related to a Sauk and Meskwaki Camp from 1841 (HILD 1108). 

A Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey was finalized on November 8, 2019. The survey found 

evidence of extensive ground disturbances throughout the LOD. Such disturbances included the 

continued use of the project area by modern railroads; prior construction and demolition of 

structures; utility and rainwater control infrastructure construction and expansions; and a large 

junkyard, which occupied the eastern half of the project area. The lack of integrity seen at the 

ground surface was determined to extend into subsurface conditions by the geoarchaeological 

report, which found extensive fill deposits overlying the natural soils within the project area. 

This report also found that conditions within the LOD, both in the prehistoric and historical 

periods, would not have been conducive to human occupation, as the landscape was primarily 

wetlands or marsh. The disturbances documented in both the Phase IA and geoarchaeological 

examination of the LOD suggest that it is unlikely for intact cultural deposits to be present which 

can be encountered or identified through standard survey methodologies. If extant 

archaeological resources are present, they are deeply buried and only accessible through 

extensive mechanical excavation of the fill soils within the LOD. As such, a determination of no 

historic properties affected is recommended for archaeology in the APE. A copy of the Phase IA 

Cultural Resources Survey is enclosed.

Built Environment

An informal search of the historical structural inventory maintained by the State Historic 

Preservation Office was conducted by the Iowa SHPO records manager for information 

regarding previously recorded historic properties within or near the project area. This inventory 

reported information on hundreds of previously-recorded historic properties within one mile of 

the project area but did not identify historic properties within the APE. 

In March 2020, Environmental Services Inc., a Terracon Company (ESI) conducted a Historic 

Structures Survey of the APE. The APE is located east of the Des Moines and Raccoon River 

confluences, south of Interstate 235 and east of Highway 69/E 14th Street. The area was 

historically known as “Southeast Bottoms” and Chesterfield.

The Historic Structures Survey consisted of a pedestrian survey and historic architectural 

analysis of all buildings fifty years or older within the APE. Other research included an 

examination of the Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps, available plat maps, historical aerials 

and United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, as well as recent past and 

current street-view images. 

The survey identified fourteen historic resources within the APE for this undertaking. Nine of 

the properties have previous recommendations from SHPO; FRA has agreed with those previous 

recommendations after reviewing the resources, as detailed in the report. For the remaining five 

properties that were not previously recorded, FRA has made determinations of eligibility for 
inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). 

Detailed descriptions of all fourteen properties are included in the Historic Structures Report and 

Iowa Site Inventory Forms which are included with this consultation letter. The table below 

summarizes the properties and FRA’s determinations of eligibility. 

Table 1. Potential Historic Properties within the APE

Site

Inventory

No.

Property 

Name

Property 

Address

Year 

Built

Previous 

Recordation

FRA 

Determination 

of Eligibility

77-03870 Vestal House 601 SE 14th 

Court

1938 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-03895 14th Street 

Viaduct

SR 69, between 

Scott 

Avenue and 

Vine Street

1936 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-07486 House 1108 Scott 

Avenue

1882 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-07491 House 1401 Scott 

Avenue

1901 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-09469 Heartland 

Co-Op

118 SE 18th 

Street

1930 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10698 Wolverine 

World Wide

302 SE 18th 

Street

1958 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10700 C. Amend & 

Sons Meat 

Packing 

Plant

410 SE 18th 

Street

1929 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-10702 United 

House & 

Gate

500 SE 18th 

Street

1941 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10706 House 609 SE 15th 

Court

1900 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-12156* Sun Tool 

Warehouse

305 SE 7th 

Street

1940 No Ineligible

77-12157* Husmann 

Warehouse

09 SE 8th 

Street

1965 & 

1969

No Ineligible

77-12158* Bituminous 

Materials & 

Supply

900 Raccoon 

Street

1950 & 

1973

No Ineligible

77-12159* City of Des 

Moines 

Office & 

Warehouse

1300 Scott 

Avenue

1967 &

1973

No Ineligible
77-12160* Iowa 

Interstate 

Railroad

Northern APE

boundary

Estimated 

mid-1800

No Ineligible

*Newly recorded resources within the APE.

Site Inventory ID 77-12160 is for the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS), which was established in 

the mid-nineteenth century. The IAIS is located along the northern part of the APE. A full 

evaluation of the railroad was outside the scope of this project. The Historic Structures Report 

states that there was no information found to suggest that IAIS is eligible for the NRHP, either 

individually or as contributing to a district. Even if the IAIS were to be determined eligible for 

the NRHP, the proposed undertaking would not impact any aspects of integrity of the railroad. 

The proposed undertaking will be visible from two historic properties within the APE: the 14th

Street Viaduct and the C. Amend & Sons Meat Packing Plant. However, the purpose of the 

project is to construct a new industrial facility within an area historically used for industrial 

activity, and therefore the overall character of the area and the viewsheds will remain unchanged. 

As such, FRA has determined that no historic properties will be adversely affected. A copy of 

the Historic Structures Survey is enclosed. 

Determination of Effect

Given the information described above, FRA has determined that the proposed undertaking 

results in No Adverse Effect. FRA would like to invite your Tribe to participate in this project as 

a consulting party in the Section 106 process. Additionally, FRA requests your input regarding 

any historic properties that have religious and cultural significance to your Tribe that may be 

affected by the project. FRA respectfully requests your concurrence with this determination. If 

you have any questions or concerns, please contact FRA’s Environmental Protection Specialist 

for this project, Amanda Ciampolillo at either 617.494.2173 or amanda.ciampolillo@dot.gov. 

Sincerely,

Katherine Zeringue 

Federal Preservation Officer

Environment and Project Engineering Division 

Office of Railroad Policy and Development

Federal Railroad Administration

cc: Des Moines Industrial, LLC

Amanda Ciampolillo, FRA

Enclosures: 

• Exhibit 1: APE Map

• Archaeology Cultural Resources Desktop Assessment

• Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey 

• Historic Structures Report

U.S. Department 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

of Transportation Washington, DC 20590

Federal Railroad 

Administration

April 24, 2020

Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska

Lance Foster, THPO

3345 B Thrasher Road

White Cloud, KS 66094

Re: Des Moines Transloading Facility

200 SE 15th Street, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa

Initiation of Section 106 Consultation with Native American Tribal Government

and Finding of No Adverse Effect

Dear Mr. Foster:

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected the Des Moines Industrial – Transload 

Center to receive grant funding for the construction of a multi-modal transloading facility 

including trackage, docks, and warehousing within the Des Moines Metropolitan Area. 

Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing 

regulations (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 800) “Protection of Historic Properties” 

(Section 106), this letter is being transmitted: 1) to initiate the Section 106 consultation process 

for the undertaking, 2) to determine if there are any historic properties of religious or cultural 

significance to the Tribe that may be affected by the project, and 3) to seek concurrence from 

your office with FRA’s findings.

FRA, in coordination with Des Moines Industrial, LLC., is preparing an Environmental 

Assessment for the Project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

and is coordinating the NEPA process with consultation pursuant to Section 106.

Project Background

The concept of a transload facility, where cargo is delivered and transferred between rail and 

trucks, was developed over a decade of study on goods movement in Central Iowa. Several 

studies have concluded that a market exists in Des Moines to support the development of a 

transload facility.

In July 2018, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMAMPO) submitted 

an INFRA (Infrastructure for Rebuilding America) Grant Application to the U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT) seeking a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development 

(BUILD) Grant for this project. The application was selected for award of Federal funds in 

November 2018. In April 2019, Des Moines Industrial was formed to design, construct, operate 

and own the transload facility.
Current Undertaking

FRA’s current undertaking involves the construction of a transloading facility north of Martin 

Luther King Parkway in the area of SE 14th Street. The site covers approximately 40-acres and is 

located in the SE 1⁄4 of Section 3 and the SW 1⁄4 of Section 2, Township 78 North, Range 24 West 

in Des Moines, Iowa. The proposed project involves the construction of a railroad transload 

facility, which includes an office/warehouse, a transloading pad, proposed bulk materials

building, stormwater detention ponds, and an outdoor storage area. 

The purpose of the project is to improve the overall freight capacity and railroad options in the 

Des Moines metropolitan area; develop rail centric transportation options for existing businesses; 

expand existing transportation options to attract new industries to the region and support 

economic development in Central Iowa. 

Area of Potential Effects

As defined in National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) § 800.16(d), the Area of Potential 

Effects (APE) means “the geographic area or areas within which an undertaking may directly or 

indirectly cause alteration in the character of use of historic properties, if such properties exist. 

The area of potential effects is influenced by the scale and nature of the undertaking and may be 

different for different kinds of effects caused by the undertaking.”

The APE for archaeology was the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project, while the APE for 

the built environment was the immediate viewshed of the project site location. The Project 

boundary and the APE are shown on Exhibit 1.

Identification and Evaluation of Historic Properties

Archaeology 

A records search request was submitted to the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) for 

information regarding previously identified archaeological sites within or near the proposed 

project area (Iowa Site File Search No. 2020017, August 5, 2019). The records search reported 

that no archaeological sites have been previously recorded within the APE or within 328 feet 

(100 Meters) of the APE. The site file search did note that 45 archaeological sites have been 

identified within one mile of the APE. 

Numerous archaeological sites are known to be in the general vicinity, which suggested there 

was a high level of archaeological potential within the APE. This area is within a former river 

channel of the Des Moines River, and exhibits complex depositional conditions. Because of 

these factors, a desktop assessment was not sufficient to make a recommendation on the 

possibility of cultural resources being present within the project area. Therefore, a

geoarchaeological survey was recommended, which was used to guide a targeted Phase I 

archaeological survey of the proposed project area. A copy of the Archaeology Cultural 

Resources Desktop Assessment is enclosed.

A Geoarchaeological Study was conducted on September 26, 2019. A total of 12 cores were 

extracted and examined, which found that the geomorphological conditions and landforms 

identified within the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project would not be conducive to long 
term human settlement or occupation of the project area. A copy of the Geoarchaeological Study 

can be found within the enclosed Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey described below.

A Desktop Survey was finalized on November 7, 2019. No cultural resources have been 

previously recorded within the LOD, though it indicates that the western portion of the APE 

potentially contained resources related to a Sauk and Meskwaki Camp from 1841 (HILD 1108). 

A Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey was finalized on November 8, 2019. The survey found 

evidence of extensive ground disturbances throughout the LOD. Such disturbances included the 

continued use of the project area by modern railroads; prior construction and demolition of 

structures; utility and rainwater control infrastructure construction and expansions; and a large 

junkyard, which occupied the eastern half of the project area. The lack of integrity seen at the 

ground surface was determined to extend into subsurface conditions by the geoarchaeological 

report, which found extensive fill deposits overlying the natural soils within the project area. 

This report also found that conditions within the LOD, both in the prehistoric and historical 

periods, would not have been conducive to human occupation, as the landscape was primarily 

wetlands or marsh. The disturbances documented in both the Phase IA and geoarchaeological 

examination of the LOD suggest that it is unlikely for intact cultural deposits to be present which 

can be encountered or identified through standard survey methodologies. If extant 

archaeological resources are present, they are deeply buried and only accessible through 

extensive mechanical excavation of the fill soils within the LOD. As such, a determination of no 

historic properties affected is recommended for archaeology in the APE. A copy of the Phase IA 

Cultural Resources Survey is enclosed.

Built Environment

An informal search of the historical structural inventory maintained by the State Historic 

Preservation Office was conducted by the Iowa SHPO records manager for information 

regarding previously recorded historic properties within or near the project area. This inventory 

reported information on hundreds of previously-recorded historic properties within one mile of 

the project area but did not identify historic properties within the APE. 

In March 2020, Environmental Services Inc., a Terracon Company (ESI) conducted a Historic 

Structures Survey of the APE. The APE is located east of the Des Moines and Raccoon River 

confluences, south of Interstate 235 and east of Highway 69/E 14th Street. The area was 

historically known as “Southeast Bottoms” and Chesterfield.

The Historic Structures Survey consisted of a pedestrian survey and historic architectural 

analysis of all buildings fifty years or older within the APE. Other research included an 

examination of the Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps, available plat maps, historical aerials 

and United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, as well as recent past and 

current street-view images. 

The survey identified fourteen historic resources within the APE for this undertaking. Nine of 

the properties have previous recommendations from SHPO; FRA has agreed with those previous 

recommendations after reviewing the resources, as detailed in the report. For the remaining five 

properties that were not previously recorded, FRA has made determinations of eligibility for 
inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). 

Detailed descriptions of all fourteen properties are included in the Historic Structures Report and 

Iowa Site Inventory Forms which are included with this consultation letter. The table below 

summarizes the properties and FRA’s determinations of eligibility. 

Table 1. Potential Historic Properties within the APE

Site

Inventory

No.

Property 

Name

Property 

Address

Year 

Built

Previous 

Recordation

FRA 

Determination 

of Eligibility

77-03870 Vestal House 601 SE 14th 

Court

1938 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-03895 14th Street 

Viaduct

SR 69, between 

Scott 

Avenue and 

Vine Street

1936 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-07486 House 1108 Scott 

Avenue

1882 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-07491 House 1401 Scott 

Avenue

1901 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-09469 Heartland 

Co-Op

118 SE 18th 

Street

1930 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10698 Wolverine 

World Wide

302 SE 18th 

Street

1958 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10700 C. Amend & 

Sons Meat 

Packing 

Plant

410 SE 18th 

Street

1929 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-10702 United 

House & 

Gate

500 SE 18th 

Street

1941 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10706 House 609 SE 15th 

Court

1900 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-12156* Sun Tool 

Warehouse

305 SE 7th 

Street

1940 No Ineligible

77-12157* Husmann 

Warehouse

09 SE 8th 

Street

1965 & 

1969

No Ineligible

77-12158* Bituminous 

Materials & 

Supply

900 Raccoon 

Street

1950 & 

1973

No Ineligible

77-12159* City of Des 

Moines 

Office & 

Warehouse

1300 Scott 

Avenue

1967 &

1973

No Ineligible
77-12160* Iowa 

Interstate 

Railroad

Northern APE

boundary

Estimated 

mid-1800

No Ineligible

*Newly recorded resources within the APE.

Site Inventory ID 77-12160 is for the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS), which was established in 

the mid-nineteenth century. The IAIS is located along the northern part of the APE. A full 

evaluation of the railroad was outside the scope of this project. The Historic Structures Report 

states that there was no information found to suggest that IAIS is eligible for the NRHP, either 

individually or as contributing to a district. Even if the IAIS were to be determined eligible for 

the NRHP, the proposed undertaking would not impact any aspects of integrity of the railroad. 

The proposed undertaking will be visible from two historic properties within the APE: the 14th

Street Viaduct and the C. Amend & Sons Meat Packing Plant. However, the purpose of the 

project is to construct a new industrial facility within an area historically used for industrial 

activity, and therefore the overall character of the area and the viewsheds will remain unchanged. 

As such, FRA has determined that no historic properties will be adversely affected. A copy of 

the Historic Structures Survey is enclosed. 

Determination of Effect

Given the information described above, FRA has determined that the proposed undertaking 

results in No Adverse Effect. FRA would like to invite your Tribe to participate in this project as 

a consulting party in the Section 106 process. Additionally, FRA requests your input regarding 

any historic properties that have religious and cultural significance to your Tribe that may be 

affected by the project. FRA respectfully requests your concurrence with this determination. If 

you have any questions or concerns, please contact FRA’s Environmental Protection Specialist 

for this project, Amanda Ciampolillo at either 617.494.2173 or amanda.ciampolillo@dot.gov. 

Sincerely,

Katherine Zeringue 

Federal Preservation Officer

Environment and Project Engineering Division 

Office of Railroad Policy and Development

Federal Railroad Administration

cc: Des Moines Industrial, LLC

Amanda Ciampolillo, FRA

Enclosures: 

• Exhibit 1: APE Map

• Archaeology Cultural Resources Desktop Assessment

• Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey 

• Historic Structures Report
E9thSt

Workforce

Building

StateCapitol

CourtAve

SE

7thSt

ScottAve

SE6thSt

gJrPkwy

amondOil

Company

DesMoines

RiverOpen

Space

HistoricEast

Village

E

1

6thSt

E17thSt

LoganAve

DeanAve

E18thSt

EGran

DesMoinesSt

E1

2thSt

EWalnutSt

E

15th

St

DeanAv

CapitalView

Elementary

School

Grimes

Building

LucasBuilding

MercyEast

VillageFamily

Practice

OlaBabcock

Building

CapitolEast

DesMoinesRiver

69

69

ScottAve

SE

9th

St

EVineSt

EMa

S

E1

0th

SE8thSt

St

ShawSt

S

E14thCt

SE15thSt

E15thSt

A

stor

St

E18thSt SE1

8thSt

EWalnutSt

RailroadAve

CourtAve

HarrietSt

Johnson

Ct

MaurySt

SE14t MaurySt hSt E14thSt

ECourtAve

EMartinLutherKingJrPkwy

PineRidgeReal

ESTLLC

Norfol

Southern

S&P

Properties

DarlingNa

LLC

Bituminouis

Material&

Supply,LP

IowaState

Capitol

RichardAClark

Municipal

ServiceCenter

JudicialBranch

Building

Hoover

Building

CityofDes

MoinesFacility

Building

Southeast

WaterTrough

CrivaroPark

77-12156

77-12157

77-12158

77-07486

77-12159

77-07491

77-03870

77-10706

77-10702

77-10698

77-09469

77-10700

77-03895

77-12160

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community, Sources: Esri, HERE,

Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Path: C:\Users\aajdini\OneDrive - Terracon Consultants Inc\Desktop\Home Projects\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility\Maps\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility.aprx Date: 4/1/2020 12:01 PM

E

Polk County, Iowa

Historic Structures Survey

Proposed Railroad Transload Facility

HK207101

Apr 2020

AA

A2

JRN

7220 FINANCIAL WAY, SUITE 100 PDJ

PH. (904) 470-2200

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32256

FAX (904) 470-2112

Disclaimer: The information depicted on this figure is for conceptual purposes only, serves to aid a

licensed engineer or geologist in rendering professional services, and is subject to review and

approval by appropriate regulatory agencies.

Project No.

Date

Drawn By

Checked By

Approved By

Figure No.

0 500 1,000

Feet

Source(s): ESRI World Imagery Basemap

Project Boundary

APE

Historic Structures

Site Plan

Exhibit 1
U.S. Department 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

of Transportation Washington, DC 20590

Federal Railroad 

Administration

April 24, 2020

Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma

Tribal Chairperson 

335588 E. 750 Road

Perkins, OK 74059

Re: Des Moines Transloading Facility

200 SE 15th Street, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa

Initiation of Section 106 Consultation with Native American Tribal Government

and Finding of No Adverse Effect

Dear Tribal Chairperson:

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected the Des Moines Industrial – Transload 

Center to receive grant funding for the construction of a multi-modal transloading facility 

including trackage, docks, and warehousing within the Des Moines Metropolitan Area. 

Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing 

regulations (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 800) “Protection of Historic Properties” 

(Section 106), this letter is being transmitted: 1) to initiate the Section 106 consultation process 

for the undertaking, 2) to determine if there are any historic properties of religious or cultural 

significance to the Tribe that may be affected by the project, and 3) to seek concurrence from 

your office with FRA’s findings.

FRA, in coordination with Des Moines Industrial, LLC., is preparing an Environmental 

Assessment for the Project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

and is coordinating the NEPA process with consultation pursuant to Section 106.

Project Background

The concept of a transload facility, where cargo is delivered and transferred between rail and 

trucks, was developed over a decade of study on goods movement in Central Iowa. Several 

studies have concluded that a market exists in Des Moines to support the development of a 

transload facility.

In July 2018, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMAMPO) submitted 

an INFRA (Infrastructure for Rebuilding America) Grant Application to the U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT) seeking a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development 

(BUILD) Grant for this project. The application was selected for award of Federal funds in 

November 2018. In April 2019, Des Moines Industrial was formed to design, construct, operate 

and own the transload facility.
Current Undertaking

FRA’s current undertaking involves the construction of a transloading facility north of Martin 

Luther King Parkway in the area of SE 14th Street. The site covers approximately 40-acres and is 

located in the SE 1⁄4 of Section 3 and the SW 1⁄4 of Section 2, Township 78 North, Range 24 West 

in Des Moines, Iowa. The proposed project involves the construction of a railroad transload 

facility, which includes an office/warehouse, a transloading pad, proposed bulk materials

building, stormwater detention ponds, and an outdoor storage area. 

The purpose of the project is to improve the overall freight capacity and railroad options in the 

Des Moines metropolitan area; develop rail centric transportation options for existing businesses; 

expand existing transportation options to attract new industries to the region and support 

economic development in Central Iowa. 

Area of Potential Effects

As defined in National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) § 800.16(d), the Area of Potential 

Effects (APE) means “the geographic area or areas within which an undertaking may directly or 

indirectly cause alteration in the character of use of historic properties, if such properties exist. 

The area of potential effects is influenced by the scale and nature of the undertaking and may be 

different for different kinds of effects caused by the undertaking.”

The APE for archaeology was the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project, while the APE for 

the built environment was the immediate viewshed of the project site location. The Project 

boundary and the APE are shown on Exhibit 1.

Identification and Evaluation of Historic Properties

Archaeology 

A records search request was submitted to the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) for 

information regarding previously identified archaeological sites within or near the proposed 

project area (Iowa Site File Search No. 2020017, August 5, 2019). The records search reported 

that no archaeological sites have been previously recorded within the APE or within 328 feet 

(100 Meters) of the APE. The site file search did note that 45 archaeological sites have been 

identified within one mile of the APE. 

Numerous archaeological sites are known to be in the general vicinity, which suggested there 

was a high level of archaeological potential within the APE. This area is within a former river 

channel of the Des Moines River, and exhibits complex depositional conditions. Because of 

these factors, a desktop assessment was not sufficient to make a recommendation on the 

possibility of cultural resources being present within the project area. Therefore, a

geoarchaeological survey was recommended, which was used to guide a targeted Phase I 

archaeological survey of the proposed project area. A copy of the Archaeology Cultural 

Resources Desktop Assessment is enclosed.

A Geoarchaeological Study was conducted on September 26, 2019. A total of 12 cores were 

extracted and examined, which found that the geomorphological conditions and landforms 

identified within the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project would not be conducive to long 
term human settlement or occupation of the project area. A copy of the Geoarchaeological Study 

can be found within the enclosed Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey described below.

A Desktop Survey was finalized on November 7, 2019. No cultural resources have been 

previously recorded within the LOD, though it indicates that the western portion of the APE 

potentially contained resources related to a Sauk and Meskwaki Camp from 1841 (HILD 1108). 

A Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey was finalized on November 8, 2019. The survey found 

evidence of extensive ground disturbances throughout the LOD. Such disturbances included the 

continued use of the project area by modern railroads; prior construction and demolition of 

structures; utility and rainwater control infrastructure construction and expansions; and a large 

junkyard, which occupied the eastern half of the project area. The lack of integrity seen at the 

ground surface was determined to extend into subsurface conditions by the geoarchaeological 

report, which found extensive fill deposits overlying the natural soils within the project area. 

This report also found that conditions within the LOD, both in the prehistoric and historical 

periods, would not have been conducive to human occupation, as the landscape was primarily 

wetlands or marsh. The disturbances documented in both the Phase IA and geoarchaeological 

examination of the LOD suggest that it is unlikely for intact cultural deposits to be present which 

can be encountered or identified through standard survey methodologies. If extant 

archaeological resources are present, they are deeply buried and only accessible through 

extensive mechanical excavation of the fill soils within the LOD. As such, a determination of no 

historic properties affected is recommended for archaeology in the APE. A copy of the Phase IA 

Cultural Resources Survey is enclosed.

Built Environment

An informal search of the historical structural inventory maintained by the State Historic 

Preservation Office was conducted by the Iowa SHPO records manager for information 

regarding previously recorded historic properties within or near the project area. This inventory 

reported information on hundreds of previously-recorded historic properties within one mile of 

the project area but did not identify historic properties within the APE. 

In March 2020, Environmental Services Inc., a Terracon Company (ESI) conducted a Historic 

Structures Survey of the APE. The APE is located east of the Des Moines and Raccoon River 

confluences, south of Interstate 235 and east of Highway 69/E 14th Street. The area was 

historically known as “Southeast Bottoms” and Chesterfield.

The Historic Structures Survey consisted of a pedestrian survey and historic architectural 

analysis of all buildings fifty years or older within the APE. Other research included an 

examination of the Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps, available plat maps, historical aerials 

and United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, as well as recent past and 

current street-view images. 

The survey identified fourteen historic resources within the APE for this undertaking. Nine of 

the properties have previous recommendations from SHPO; FRA has agreed with those previous 

recommendations after reviewing the resources, as detailed in the report. For the remaining five 

properties that were not previously recorded, FRA has made determinations of eligibility for 
inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). 

Detailed descriptions of all fourteen properties are included in the Historic Structures Report and 

Iowa Site Inventory Forms which are included with this consultation letter. The table below 

summarizes the properties and FRA’s determinations of eligibility. 

Table 1. Potential Historic Properties within the APE

Site

Inventory

No.

Property 

Name

Property 

Address

Year 

Built

Previous 

Recordation

FRA 

Determination 

of Eligibility

77-03870 Vestal House 601 SE 14th 

Court

1938 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-03895 14th Street 

Viaduct

SR 69, between 

Scott 

Avenue and 

Vine Street

1936 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-07486 House 1108 Scott 

Avenue

1882 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-07491 House 1401 Scott 

Avenue

1901 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-09469 Heartland 

Co-Op

118 SE 18th 

Street

1930 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10698 Wolverine 

World Wide

302 SE 18th 

Street

1958 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10700 C. Amend & 

Sons Meat 

Packing 

Plant

410 SE 18th 

Street

1929 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-10702 United 

House & 

Gate

500 SE 18th 

Street

1941 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10706 House 609 SE 15th 

Court

1900 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-12156* Sun Tool 

Warehouse

305 SE 7th 

Street

1940 No Ineligible

77-12157* Husmann 

Warehouse

09 SE 8th 

Street

1965 & 

1969

No Ineligible

77-12158* Bituminous 

Materials & 

Supply

900 Raccoon 

Street

1950 & 

1973

No Ineligible

77-12159* City of Des 

Moines 

Office & 

Warehouse

1300 Scott 

Avenue

1967 &

1973

No Ineligible
77-12160* Iowa 

Interstate 

Railroad

Northern APE

boundary

Estimated 

mid-1800

No Ineligible

*Newly recorded resources within the APE.

Site Inventory ID 77-12160 is for the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS), which was established in 

the mid-nineteenth century. The IAIS is located along the northern part of the APE. A full 

evaluation of the railroad was outside the scope of this project. The Historic Structures Report 

states that there was no information found to suggest that IAIS is eligible for the NRHP, either 

individually or as contributing to a district. Even if the IAIS were to be determined eligible for 

the NRHP, the proposed undertaking would not impact any aspects of integrity of the railroad. 

The proposed undertaking will be visible from two historic properties within the APE: the 14th

Street Viaduct and the C. Amend & Sons Meat Packing Plant. However, the purpose of the 

project is to construct a new industrial facility within an area historically used for industrial 

activity, and therefore the overall character of the area and the viewsheds will remain unchanged. 

As such, FRA has determined that no historic properties will be adversely affected. A copy of 

the Historic Structures Survey is enclosed. 

Determination of Effect

Given the information described above, FRA has determined that the proposed undertaking 

results in No Adverse Effect. FRA would like to invite your Tribe to participate in this project as 

a consulting party in the Section 106 process. Additionally, FRA requests your input regarding 

any historic properties that have religious and cultural significance to your Tribe that may be 

affected by the project. FRA respectfully requests your concurrence with this determination. If 

you have any questions or concerns, please contact FRA’s Environmental Protection Specialist 

for this project, Amanda Ciampolillo at either 617.494.2173 or amanda.ciampolillo@dot.gov. 

Sincerely,

Katherine Zeringue 

Federal Preservation Officer

Environment and Project Engineering Division 

Office of Railroad Policy and Development

Federal Railroad Administration

cc: Des Moines Industrial, LLC

Amanda Ciampolillo, FRA

Enclosures: 

• Exhibit 1: APE Map

• Archaeology Cultural Resources Desktop Assessment

• Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey 

• Historic Structures Report
E9thSt

Workforce

Building

StateCapitol

CourtAve

SE

7thSt

ScottAve

SE6thSt

gJrPkwy

amondOil

Company

DesMoines

RiverOpen

Space

HistoricEast

Village

E

1

6thSt

E17thSt

LoganAve

DeanAve

E18thSt

EGran

DesMoinesSt

E1

2thSt

EWalnutSt

E

15th

St

DeanAv

CapitalView

Elementary

School

Grimes

Building

LucasBuilding

MercyEast

VillageFamily

Practice

OlaBabcock

Building

CapitolEast

DesMoinesRiver

69

69

ScottAve

SE

9th

St

EVineSt

EMa

S

E1

0th

SE8thSt

St

ShawSt

S

E14thCt

SE15thSt

E15thSt

A

stor

St

E18thSt SE1

8thSt

EWalnutSt

RailroadAve

CourtAve

HarrietSt

Johnson

Ct

MaurySt

SE14t MaurySt hSt E14thSt

ECourtAve

EMartinLutherKingJrPkwy

PineRidgeReal

ESTLLC

Norfol

Southern

S&P

Properties

DarlingNa

LLC

Bituminouis

Material&

Supply,LP

IowaState

Capitol

RichardAClark

Municipal

ServiceCenter

JudicialBranch

Building

Hoover

Building

CityofDes

MoinesFacility

Building

Southeast

WaterTrough

CrivaroPark

77-12156

77-12157

77-12158

77-07486

77-12159

77-07491

77-03870

77-10706

77-10702

77-10698

77-09469

77-10700

77-03895

77-12160

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community, Sources: Esri, HERE,

Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Path: C:\Users\aajdini\OneDrive - Terracon Consultants Inc\Desktop\Home Projects\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility\Maps\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility.aprx Date: 4/1/2020 12:01 PM

E

Polk County, Iowa

Historic Structures Survey

Proposed Railroad Transload Facility

HK207101

Apr 2020

AA

A2

JRN

7220 FINANCIAL WAY, SUITE 100 PDJ

PH. (904) 470-2200

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32256

FAX (904) 470-2112

Disclaimer: The information depicted on this figure is for conceptual purposes only, serves to aid a

licensed engineer or geologist in rendering professional services, and is subject to review and

approval by appropriate regulatory agencies.

Project No.

Date

Drawn By

Checked By

Approved By

Figure No.

0 500 1,000

Feet

Source(s): ESRI World Imagery Basemap

Project Boundary

APE

Historic Structures

Site Plan

Exhibit 1
U.S. Department 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

of Transportation Washington, DC 20590

Federal Railroad 

Administration

April 24, 2020

Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin

David Grignon, THPO 

P.O. Box 910

Keshena, WI 54135

Re: Des Moines Transloading Facility

200 SE 15th Street, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa

Initiation of Section 106 Consultation with Native American Tribal Government

and Finding of No Adverse Effect

Dear Mr. Grignon:

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected the Des Moines Industrial – Transload 

Center to receive grant funding for the construction of a multi-modal transloading facility 

including trackage, docks, and warehousing within the Des Moines Metropolitan Area. 

Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing 

regulations (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 800) “Protection of Historic Properties” 

(Section 106), this letter is being transmitted: 1) to initiate the Section 106 consultation process 

for the undertaking, 2) to determine if there are any historic properties of religious or cultural 

significance to the Tribe that may be affected by the project, and 3) to seek concurrence from 

your office with FRA’s findings.

FRA, in coordination with Des Moines Industrial, LLC., is preparing an Environmental 

Assessment for the Project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

and is coordinating the NEPA process with consultation pursuant to Section 106.

Project Background

The concept of a transload facility, where cargo is delivered and transferred between rail and 

trucks, was developed over a decade of study on goods movement in Central Iowa. Several 

studies have concluded that a market exists in Des Moines to support the development of a 

transload facility.

In July 2018, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMAMPO) submitted 

an INFRA (Infrastructure for Rebuilding America) Grant Application to the U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT) seeking a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development 

(BUILD) Grant for this project. The application was selected for award of Federal funds in 

November 2018. In April 2019, Des Moines Industrial was formed to design, construct, operate 

and own the transload facility.
Current Undertaking

FRA’s current undertaking involves the construction of a transloading facility north of Martin 

Luther King Parkway in the area of SE 14th Street. The site covers approximately 40-acres and is 

located in the SE 1⁄4 of Section 3 and the SW 1⁄4 of Section 2, Township 78 North, Range 24 West 

in Des Moines, Iowa. The proposed project involves the construction of a railroad transload 

facility, which includes an office/warehouse, a transloading pad, proposed bulk materials

building, stormwater detention ponds, and an outdoor storage area. 

The purpose of the project is to improve the overall freight capacity and railroad options in the 

Des Moines metropolitan area; develop rail centric transportation options for existing businesses; 

expand existing transportation options to attract new industries to the region and support 

economic development in Central Iowa. 

Area of Potential Effects

As defined in National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) § 800.16(d), the Area of Potential 

Effects (APE) means “the geographic area or areas within which an undertaking may directly or 

indirectly cause alteration in the character of use of historic properties, if such properties exist. 

The area of potential effects is influenced by the scale and nature of the undertaking and may be 

different for different kinds of effects caused by the undertaking.”

The APE for archaeology was the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project, while the APE for 

the built environment was the immediate viewshed of the project site location. The Project 

boundary and the APE are shown on Exhibit 1.

Identification and Evaluation of Historic Properties

Archaeology 

A records search request was submitted to the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) for 

information regarding previously identified archaeological sites within or near the proposed 

project area (Iowa Site File Search No. 2020017, August 5, 2019). The records search reported 

that no archaeological sites have been previously recorded within the APE or within 328 feet 

(100 Meters) of the APE. The site file search did note that 45 archaeological sites have been 

identified within one mile of the APE. 

Numerous archaeological sites are known to be in the general vicinity, which suggested there 

was a high level of archaeological potential within the APE. This area is within a former river 

channel of the Des Moines River, and exhibits complex depositional conditions. Because of 

these factors, a desktop assessment was not sufficient to make a recommendation on the 

possibility of cultural resources being present within the project area. Therefore, a

geoarchaeological survey was recommended, which was used to guide a targeted Phase I 

archaeological survey of the proposed project area. A copy of the Archaeology Cultural 

Resources Desktop Assessment is enclosed.

A Geoarchaeological Study was conducted on September 26, 2019. A total of 12 cores were 

extracted and examined, which found that the geomorphological conditions and landforms 

identified within the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project would not be conducive to long 
term human settlement or occupation of the project area. A copy of the Geoarchaeological Study 

can be found within the enclosed Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey described below.

A Desktop Survey was finalized on November 7, 2019. No cultural resources have been 

previously recorded within the LOD, though it indicates that the western portion of the APE 

potentially contained resources related to a Sauk and Meskwaki Camp from 1841 (HILD 1108). 

A Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey was finalized on November 8, 2019. The survey found 

evidence of extensive ground disturbances throughout the LOD. Such disturbances included the 

continued use of the project area by modern railroads; prior construction and demolition of 

structures; utility and rainwater control infrastructure construction and expansions; and a large 

junkyard, which occupied the eastern half of the project area. The lack of integrity seen at the 

ground surface was determined to extend into subsurface conditions by the geoarchaeological 

report, which found extensive fill deposits overlying the natural soils within the project area. 

This report also found that conditions within the LOD, both in the prehistoric and historical 

periods, would not have been conducive to human occupation, as the landscape was primarily 

wetlands or marsh. The disturbances documented in both the Phase IA and geoarchaeological 

examination of the LOD suggest that it is unlikely for intact cultural deposits to be present which 

can be encountered or identified through standard survey methodologies. If extant 

archaeological resources are present, they are deeply buried and only accessible through 

extensive mechanical excavation of the fill soils within the LOD. As such, a determination of no 

historic properties affected is recommended for archaeology in the APE. A copy of the Phase IA 

Cultural Resources Survey is enclosed.

Built Environment

An informal search of the historical structural inventory maintained by the State Historic 

Preservation Office was conducted by the Iowa SHPO records manager for information 

regarding previously recorded historic properties within or near the project area. This inventory 

reported information on hundreds of previously-recorded historic properties within one mile of 

the project area but did not identify historic properties within the APE. 

In March 2020, Environmental Services Inc., a Terracon Company (ESI) conducted a Historic 

Structures Survey of the APE. The APE is located east of the Des Moines and Raccoon River 

confluences, south of Interstate 235 and east of Highway 69/E 14th Street. The area was 

historically known as “Southeast Bottoms” and Chesterfield.

The Historic Structures Survey consisted of a pedestrian survey and historic architectural 

analysis of all buildings fifty years or older within the APE. Other research included an 

examination of the Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps, available plat maps, historical aerials 

and United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, as well as recent past and 

current street-view images. 

The survey identified fourteen historic resources within the APE for this undertaking. Nine of 

the properties have previous recommendations from SHPO; FRA has agreed with those previous 

recommendations after reviewing the resources, as detailed in the report. For the remaining five 

properties that were not previously recorded, FRA has made determinations of eligibility for 
inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). 

Detailed descriptions of all fourteen properties are included in the Historic Structures Report and 

Iowa Site Inventory Forms which are included with this consultation letter. The table below 

summarizes the properties and FRA’s determinations of eligibility. 

Table 1. Potential Historic Properties within the APE

Site

Inventory

No.

Property 

Name

Property 

Address

Year 

Built

Previous 

Recordation

FRA 

Determination 

of Eligibility

77-03870 Vestal House 601 SE 14th 

Court

1938 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-03895 14th Street 

Viaduct

SR 69, between 

Scott 

Avenue and 

Vine Street

1936 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-07486 House 1108 Scott 

Avenue

1882 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-07491 House 1401 Scott 

Avenue

1901 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-09469 Heartland 

Co-Op

118 SE 18th 

Street

1930 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10698 Wolverine 

World Wide

302 SE 18th 

Street

1958 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10700 C. Amend & 

Sons Meat 

Packing 

Plant

410 SE 18th 

Street

1929 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-10702 United 

House & 

Gate

500 SE 18th 

Street

1941 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10706 House 609 SE 15th 

Court

1900 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-12156* Sun Tool 

Warehouse

305 SE 7th 

Street

1940 No Ineligible

77-12157* Husmann 

Warehouse

09 SE 8th 

Street

1965 & 

1969

No Ineligible

77-12158* Bituminous 

Materials & 

Supply

900 Raccoon 

Street

1950 & 

1973

No Ineligible

77-12159* City of Des 

Moines 

Office & 

Warehouse

1300 Scott 

Avenue

1967 &

1973

No Ineligible
77-12160* Iowa 

Interstate 

Railroad

Northern APE

boundary

Estimated 

mid-1800

No Ineligible

*Newly recorded resources within the APE.

Site Inventory ID 77-12160 is for the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS), which was established in 

the mid-nineteenth century. The IAIS is located along the northern part of the APE. A full 

evaluation of the railroad was outside the scope of this project. The Historic Structures Report 

states that there was no information found to suggest that IAIS is eligible for the NRHP, either 

individually or as contributing to a district. Even if the IAIS were to be determined eligible for 

the NRHP, the proposed undertaking would not impact any aspects of integrity of the railroad. 

The proposed undertaking will be visible from two historic properties within the APE: the 14th

Street Viaduct and the C. Amend & Sons Meat Packing Plant. However, the purpose of the 

project is to construct a new industrial facility within an area historically used for industrial 

activity, and therefore the overall character of the area and the viewsheds will remain unchanged. 

As such, FRA has determined that no historic properties will be adversely affected. A copy of 

the Historic Structures Survey is enclosed. 

Determination of Effect

Given the information described above, FRA has determined that the proposed undertaking 

results in No Adverse Effect. FRA would like to invite your Tribe to participate in this project as 

a consulting party in the Section 106 process. Additionally, FRA requests your input regarding 

any historic properties that have religious and cultural significance to your Tribe that may be 

affected by the project. FRA respectfully requests your concurrence with this determination. If 

you have any questions or concerns, please contact FRA’s Environmental Protection Specialist 

for this project, Amanda Ciampolillo at either 617.494.2173 or amanda.ciampolillo@dot.gov. 

Sincerely,

Katherine Zeringue 

Federal Preservation Officer

Environment and Project Engineering Division 

Office of Railroad Policy and Development

Federal Railroad Administration

cc: Des Moines Industrial, LLC

Amanda Ciampolillo, FRA

Enclosures: 

• Exhibit 1: APE Map

• Archaeology Cultural Resources Desktop Assessment

• Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey 

• Historic Structures Report
E9thSt

Workforce

Building

StateCapitol

CourtAve

SE

7thSt

ScottAve

SE6thSt

gJrPkwy

amondOil

Company

DesMoines

RiverOpen

Space

HistoricEast

Village

E

1

6thSt

E17thSt

LoganAve

DeanAve

E18thSt

EGran

DesMoinesSt

E1

2thSt

EWalnutSt

E

15th

St

DeanAv

CapitalView

Elementary

School

Grimes

Building

LucasBuilding

MercyEast

VillageFamily

Practice

OlaBabcock

Building

CapitolEast

DesMoinesRiver

69

69

ScottAve

SE

9th

St

EVineSt

EMa

S

E1

0th

SE8thSt

St

ShawSt

S

E14thCt

SE15thSt

E15thSt

A

stor

St

E18thSt SE1

8thSt

EWalnutSt

RailroadAve

CourtAve

HarrietSt

Johnson

Ct

MaurySt

SE14t MaurySt hSt E14thSt

ECourtAve

EMartinLutherKingJrPkwy

PineRidgeReal

ESTLLC

Norfol

Southern

S&P

Properties

DarlingNa

LLC

Bituminouis

Material&

Supply,LP

IowaState

Capitol

RichardAClark

Municipal

ServiceCenter

JudicialBranch

Building

Hoover

Building

CityofDes

MoinesFacility

Building

Southeast

WaterTrough

CrivaroPark

77-12156

77-12157

77-12158

77-07486

77-12159

77-07491

77-03870

77-10706

77-10702

77-10698

77-09469

77-10700

77-03895

77-12160

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community, Sources: Esri, HERE,

Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Path: C:\Users\aajdini\OneDrive - Terracon Consultants Inc\Desktop\Home Projects\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility\Maps\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility.aprx Date: 4/1/2020 12:01 PM

E

Polk County, Iowa

Historic Structures Survey

Proposed Railroad Transload Facility

HK207101

Apr 2020

AA

A2

JRN

7220 FINANCIAL WAY, SUITE 100 PDJ

PH. (904) 470-2200

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32256

FAX (904) 470-2112

Disclaimer: The information depicted on this figure is for conceptual purposes only, serves to aid a

licensed engineer or geologist in rendering professional services, and is subject to review and

approval by appropriate regulatory agencies.

Project No.

Date

Drawn By

Checked By

Approved By

Figure No.

0 500 1,000

Feet

Source(s): ESRI World Imagery Basemap

Project Boundary

APE

Historic Structures

Site Plan

Exhibit 1
U.S. Department 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

of Transportation Washington, DC 20590

Federal Railroad 

Administration

April 24, 2020

Sac & Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska

Tiauna Carnes, Chairperson

305 North Main Street

Reserve, KS 66434

Re: Des Moines Transloading Facility

200 SE 15th Street, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa

Initiation of Section 106 Consultation with Native American Tribal Government

and Finding of No Adverse Effect

Dear Chairperson Carnes:

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected the Des Moines Industrial – Transload 

Center to receive grant funding for the construction of a multi-modal transloading facility 

including trackage, docks, and warehousing within the Des Moines Metropolitan Area. 

Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing 

regulations (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 800) “Protection of Historic Properties” 

(Section 106), this letter is being transmitted: 1) to initiate the Section 106 consultation process 

for the undertaking, 2) to determine if there are any historic properties of religious or cultural 

significance to the Tribe that may be affected by the project, and 3) to seek concurrence from 

your office with FRA’s findings.

FRA, in coordination with Des Moines Industrial, LLC., is preparing an Environmental 

Assessment for the Project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

and is coordinating the NEPA process with consultation pursuant to Section 106.

Project Background

The concept of a transload facility, where cargo is delivered and transferred between rail and 

trucks, was developed over a decade of study on goods movement in Central Iowa. Several 

studies have concluded that a market exists in Des Moines to support the development of a 

transload facility.

In July 2018, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMAMPO) submitted 

an INFRA (Infrastructure for Rebuilding America) Grant Application to the U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT) seeking a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development 

(BUILD) Grant for this project. The application was selected for award of Federal funds in 

November 2018. In April 2019, Des Moines Industrial was formed to design, construct, operate 

and own the transload facility.
Current Undertaking

FRA’s current undertaking involves the construction of a transloading facility north of Martin 

Luther King Parkway in the area of SE 14th Street. The site covers approximately 40-acres and is 

located in the SE 1⁄4 of Section 3 and the SW 1⁄4 of Section 2, Township 78 North, Range 24 West 

in Des Moines, Iowa. The proposed project involves the construction of a railroad transload 

facility, which includes an office/warehouse, a transloading pad, proposed bulk materials

building, stormwater detention ponds, and an outdoor storage area. 

The purpose of the project is to improve the overall freight capacity and railroad options in the 

Des Moines metropolitan area; develop rail centric transportation options for existing businesses; 

expand existing transportation options to attract new industries to the region and support 

economic development in Central Iowa. 

Area of Potential Effects

As defined in National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) § 800.16(d), the Area of Potential 

Effects (APE) means “the geographic area or areas within which an undertaking may directly or 

indirectly cause alteration in the character of use of historic properties, if such properties exist. 

The area of potential effects is influenced by the scale and nature of the undertaking and may be 

different for different kinds of effects caused by the undertaking.”

The APE for archaeology was the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project, while the APE for 

the built environment was the immediate viewshed of the project site location. The Project 

boundary and the APE are shown on Exhibit 1.

Identification and Evaluation of Historic Properties

Archaeology 

A records search request was submitted to the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) for 

information regarding previously identified archaeological sites within or near the proposed 

project area (Iowa Site File Search No. 2020017, August 5, 2019). The records search reported 

that no archaeological sites have been previously recorded within the APE or within 328 feet 

(100 Meters) of the APE. The site file search did note that 45 archaeological sites have been 

identified within one mile of the APE. 

Numerous archaeological sites are known to be in the general vicinity, which suggested there 

was a high level of archaeological potential within the APE. This area is within a former river 

channel of the Des Moines River, and exhibits complex depositional conditions. Because of 

these factors, a desktop assessment was not sufficient to make a recommendation on the 

possibility of cultural resources being present within the project area. Therefore, a

geoarchaeological survey was recommended, which was used to guide a targeted Phase I 

archaeological survey of the proposed project area. A copy of the Archaeology Cultural 

Resources Desktop Assessment is enclosed.

A Geoarchaeological Study was conducted on September 26, 2019. A total of 12 cores were 

extracted and examined, which found that the geomorphological conditions and landforms 

identified within the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project would not be conducive to long 
term human settlement or occupation of the project area. A copy of the Geoarchaeological Study 

can be found within the enclosed Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey described below.

A Desktop Survey was finalized on November 7, 2019. No cultural resources have been 

previously recorded within the LOD, though it indicates that the western portion of the APE 

potentially contained resources related to a Sauk and Meskwaki Camp from 1841 (HILD 1108). 

A Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey was finalized on November 8, 2019. The survey found 

evidence of extensive ground disturbances throughout the LOD. Such disturbances included the 

continued use of the project area by modern railroads; prior construction and demolition of 

structures; utility and rainwater control infrastructure construction and expansions; and a large 

junkyard, which occupied the eastern half of the project area. The lack of integrity seen at the 

ground surface was determined to extend into subsurface conditions by the geoarchaeological 

report, which found extensive fill deposits overlying the natural soils within the project area. 

This report also found that conditions within the LOD, both in the prehistoric and historical 

periods, would not have been conducive to human occupation, as the landscape was primarily 

wetlands or marsh. The disturbances documented in both the Phase IA and geoarchaeological 

examination of the LOD suggest that it is unlikely for intact cultural deposits to be present which 

can be encountered or identified through standard survey methodologies. If extant 

archaeological resources are present, they are deeply buried and only accessible through 

extensive mechanical excavation of the fill soils within the LOD. As such, a determination of no 

historic properties affected is recommended for archaeology in the APE. A copy of the Phase IA 

Cultural Resources Survey is enclosed.

Built Environment

An informal search of the historical structural inventory maintained by the State Historic 

Preservation Office was conducted by the Iowa SHPO records manager for information 

regarding previously recorded historic properties within or near the project area. This inventory 

reported information on hundreds of previously-recorded historic properties within one mile of 

the project area but did not identify historic properties within the APE. 

In March 2020, Environmental Services Inc., a Terracon Company (ESI) conducted a Historic 

Structures Survey of the APE. The APE is located east of the Des Moines and Raccoon River 

confluences, south of Interstate 235 and east of Highway 69/E 14th Street. The area was 

historically known as “Southeast Bottoms” and Chesterfield.

The Historic Structures Survey consisted of a pedestrian survey and historic architectural 

analysis of all buildings fifty years or older within the APE. Other research included an 

examination of the Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps, available plat maps, historical aerials 

and United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, as well as recent past and 

current street-view images. 

The survey identified fourteen historic resources within the APE for this undertaking. Nine of 

the properties have previous recommendations from SHPO; FRA has agreed with those previous 

recommendations after reviewing the resources, as detailed in the report. For the remaining five 

properties that were not previously recorded, FRA has made determinations of eligibility for 
inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). 

Detailed descriptions of all fourteen properties are included in the Historic Structures Report and 

Iowa Site Inventory Forms which are included with this consultation letter. The table below 

summarizes the properties and FRA’s determinations of eligibility. 

Table 1. Potential Historic Properties within the APE

Site

Inventory

No.

Property 

Name

Property 

Address

Year 

Built

Previous 

Recordation

FRA 

Determination 

of Eligibility

77-03870 Vestal House 601 SE 14th 

Court

1938 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-03895 14th Street 

Viaduct

SR 69, between 

Scott 

Avenue and 

Vine Street

1936 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-07486 House 1108 Scott 

Avenue

1882 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-07491 House 1401 Scott 

Avenue

1901 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-09469 Heartland 

Co-Op

118 SE 18th 

Street

1930 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10698 Wolverine 

World Wide

302 SE 18th 

Street

1958 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10700 C. Amend & 

Sons Meat 

Packing 

Plant

410 SE 18th 

Street

1929 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-10702 United 

House & 

Gate

500 SE 18th 

Street

1941 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10706 House 609 SE 15th 

Court

1900 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-12156* Sun Tool 

Warehouse

305 SE 7th 

Street

1940 No Ineligible

77-12157* Husmann 

Warehouse

09 SE 8th 

Street

1965 & 

1969

No Ineligible

77-12158* Bituminous 

Materials & 

Supply

900 Raccoon 

Street

1950 & 

1973

No Ineligible

77-12159* City of Des 

Moines 

Office & 

Warehouse

1300 Scott 

Avenue

1967 &

1973

No Ineligible
77-12160* Iowa 

Interstate 

Railroad

Northern APE

boundary

Estimated 

mid-1800

No Ineligible

*Newly recorded resources within the APE.

Site Inventory ID 77-12160 is for the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS), which was established in 

the mid-nineteenth century. The IAIS is located along the northern part of the APE. A full 

evaluation of the railroad was outside the scope of this project. The Historic Structures Report 

states that there was no information found to suggest that IAIS is eligible for the NRHP, either 

individually or as contributing to a district. Even if the IAIS were to be determined eligible for 

the NRHP, the proposed undertaking would not impact any aspects of integrity of the railroad. 

The proposed undertaking will be visible from two historic properties within the APE: the 14th

Street Viaduct and the C. Amend & Sons Meat Packing Plant. However, the purpose of the 

project is to construct a new industrial facility within an area historically used for industrial 

activity, and therefore the overall character of the area and the viewsheds will remain unchanged. 

As such, FRA has determined that no historic properties will be adversely affected. A copy of 

the Historic Structures Survey is enclosed. 

Determination of Effect

Given the information described above, FRA has determined that the proposed undertaking 

results in No Adverse Effect. FRA would like to invite your Tribe to participate in this project as 

a consulting party in the Section 106 process. Additionally, FRA requests your input regarding 

any historic properties that have religious and cultural significance to your Tribe that may be 

affected by the project. FRA respectfully requests your concurrence with this determination. If 

you have any questions or concerns, please contact FRA’s Environmental Protection Specialist 

for this project, Amanda Ciampolillo at either 617.494.2173 or amanda.ciampolillo@dot.gov. 

Sincerely,

Katherine Zeringue 

Federal Preservation Officer

Environment and Project Engineering Division 

Office of Railroad Policy and Development

Federal Railroad Administration

cc: Des Moines Industrial, LLC

Amanda Ciampolillo, FRA

Enclosures: 

• Exhibit 1: APE Map

• Archaeology Cultural Resources Desktop Assessment

• Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey 

• Historic Structures Report
E9thSt

Workforce

Building

StateCapitol

CourtAve

SE

7thSt

ScottAve

SE6thSt

gJrPkwy

amondOil

Company

DesMoines

RiverOpen

Space

HistoricEast

Village

E

1

6thSt

E17thSt

LoganAve

DeanAve

E18thSt

EGran

DesMoinesSt

E1

2thSt

EWalnutSt

E

15th

St

DeanAv

CapitalView

Elementary

School

Grimes

Building

LucasBuilding

MercyEast

VillageFamily

Practice

OlaBabcock

Building

CapitolEast

DesMoinesRiver

69

69

ScottAve

SE

9th

St

EVineSt

EMa

S

E1

0th

SE8thSt

St

ShawSt

S

E14thCt

SE15thSt

E15thSt

A

stor

St

E18thSt SE1

8thSt

EWalnutSt

RailroadAve

CourtAve

HarrietSt

Johnson

Ct

MaurySt

SE14t MaurySt hSt E14thSt

ECourtAve

EMartinLutherKingJrPkwy

PineRidgeReal

ESTLLC

Norfol

Southern

S&P

Properties

DarlingNa

LLC

Bituminouis

Material&

Supply,LP

IowaState

Capitol

RichardAClark

Municipal

ServiceCenter

JudicialBranch

Building

Hoover

Building

CityofDes

MoinesFacility

Building

Southeast

WaterTrough

CrivaroPark

77-12156

77-12157

77-12158

77-07486

77-12159

77-07491

77-03870

77-10706

77-10702

77-10698

77-09469

77-10700

77-03895

77-12160

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community, Sources: Esri, HERE,

Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Path: C:\Users\aajdini\OneDrive - Terracon Consultants Inc\Desktop\Home Projects\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility\Maps\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility.aprx Date: 4/1/2020 12:01 PM

E

Polk County, Iowa

Historic Structures Survey

Proposed Railroad Transload Facility

HK207101

Apr 2020

AA

A2

JRN

7220 FINANCIAL WAY, SUITE 100 PDJ

PH. (904) 470-2200

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32256

FAX (904) 470-2112

Disclaimer: The information depicted on this figure is for conceptual purposes only, serves to aid a

licensed engineer or geologist in rendering professional services, and is subject to review and

approval by appropriate regulatory agencies.

Project No.

Date

Drawn By

Checked By

Approved By

Figure No.

0 500 1,000

Feet

Source(s): ESRI World Imagery Basemap

Project Boundary

APE

Historic Structures

Site Plan

Exhibit 1
U.S. Department 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

of Transportation Washington, DC 20590

Federal Railroad 

Administration

April 24, 2020

Sac & Fox Nation, Oklahoma

Justin Wood, Principal Chief 

920883 South Highway 99

Stroud, OK 74079

Re: Des Moines Transloading Facility

200 SE 15th Street, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa

Initiation of Section 106 Consultation with Native American Tribal Government

and Finding of No Adverse Effect

Dear Principal Chief Wood:

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected the Des Moines Industrial – Transload 

Center to receive grant funding for the construction of a multi-modal transloading facility 

including trackage, docks, and warehousing within the Des Moines Metropolitan Area. 

Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing 

regulations (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 800) “Protection of Historic Properties” 

(Section 106), this letter is being transmitted: 1) to initiate the Section 106 consultation process 

for the undertaking, 2) to determine if there are any historic properties of religious or cultural 

significance to the Tribe that may be affected by the project, and 3) to seek concurrence from 

your office with FRA’s findings.

FRA, in coordination with Des Moines Industrial, LLC., is preparing an Environmental 

Assessment for the Project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

and is coordinating the NEPA process with consultation pursuant to Section 106.

Project Background

The concept of a transload facility, where cargo is delivered and transferred between rail and 

trucks, was developed over a decade of study on goods movement in Central Iowa. Several 

studies have concluded that a market exists in Des Moines to support the development of a 

transload facility.

In July 2018, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMAMPO) submitted 

an INFRA (Infrastructure for Rebuilding America) Grant Application to the U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT) seeking a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development 

(BUILD) Grant for this project. The application was selected for award of Federal funds in 

November 2018. In April 2019, Des Moines Industrial was formed to design, construct, operate 

and own the transload facility.
Current Undertaking

FRA’s current undertaking involves the construction of a transloading facility north of Martin 

Luther King Parkway in the area of SE 14th Street. The site covers approximately 40-acres and is 

located in the SE 1⁄4 of Section 3 and the SW 1⁄4 of Section 2, Township 78 North, Range 24 West 

in Des Moines, Iowa. The proposed project involves the construction of a railroad transload 

facility, which includes an office/warehouse, a transloading pad, proposed bulk materials

building, stormwater detention ponds, and an outdoor storage area. 

The purpose of the project is to improve the overall freight capacity and railroad options in the 

Des Moines metropolitan area; develop rail centric transportation options for existing businesses; 

expand existing transportation options to attract new industries to the region and support 

economic development in Central Iowa. 

Area of Potential Effects

As defined in National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) § 800.16(d), the Area of Potential 

Effects (APE) means “the geographic area or areas within which an undertaking may directly or 

indirectly cause alteration in the character of use of historic properties, if such properties exist. 

The area of potential effects is influenced by the scale and nature of the undertaking and may be 

different for different kinds of effects caused by the undertaking.”

The APE for archaeology was the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project, while the APE for 

the built environment was the immediate viewshed of the project site location. The Project 

boundary and the APE are shown on Exhibit 1.

Identification and Evaluation of Historic Properties

Archaeology 

A records search request was submitted to the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) for 

information regarding previously identified archaeological sites within or near the proposed 

project area (Iowa Site File Search No. 2020017, August 5, 2019). The records search reported 

that no archaeological sites have been previously recorded within the APE or within 328 feet 

(100 Meters) of the APE. The site file search did note that 45 archaeological sites have been 

identified within one mile of the APE. 

Numerous archaeological sites are known to be in the general vicinity, which suggested there 

was a high level of archaeological potential within the APE. This area is within a former river 

channel of the Des Moines River, and exhibits complex depositional conditions. Because of 

these factors, a desktop assessment was not sufficient to make a recommendation on the 

possibility of cultural resources being present within the project area. Therefore, a

geoarchaeological survey was recommended, which was used to guide a targeted Phase I 

archaeological survey of the proposed project area. A copy of the Archaeology Cultural 

Resources Desktop Assessment is enclosed.

A Geoarchaeological Study was conducted on September 26, 2019. A total of 12 cores were 

extracted and examined, which found that the geomorphological conditions and landforms 

identified within the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project would not be conducive to long 
term human settlement or occupation of the project area. A copy of the Geoarchaeological Study 

can be found within the enclosed Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey described below.

A Desktop Survey was finalized on November 7, 2019. No cultural resources have been 

previously recorded within the LOD, though it indicates that the western portion of the APE 

potentially contained resources related to a Sauk and Meskwaki Camp from 1841 (HILD 1108). 

A Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey was finalized on November 8, 2019. The survey found 

evidence of extensive ground disturbances throughout the LOD. Such disturbances included the 

continued use of the project area by modern railroads; prior construction and demolition of 

structures; utility and rainwater control infrastructure construction and expansions; and a large 

junkyard, which occupied the eastern half of the project area. The lack of integrity seen at the 

ground surface was determined to extend into subsurface conditions by the geoarchaeological 

report, which found extensive fill deposits overlying the natural soils within the project area. 

This report also found that conditions within the LOD, both in the prehistoric and historical 

periods, would not have been conducive to human occupation, as the landscape was primarily 

wetlands or marsh. The disturbances documented in both the Phase IA and geoarchaeological 

examination of the LOD suggest that it is unlikely for intact cultural deposits to be present which 

can be encountered or identified through standard survey methodologies. If extant 

archaeological resources are present, they are deeply buried and only accessible through 

extensive mechanical excavation of the fill soils within the LOD. As such, a determination of no 

historic properties affected is recommended for archaeology in the APE. A copy of the Phase IA 

Cultural Resources Survey is enclosed.

Built Environment

An informal search of the historical structural inventory maintained by the State Historic 

Preservation Office was conducted by the Iowa SHPO records manager for information 

regarding previously recorded historic properties within or near the project area. This inventory 

reported information on hundreds of previously-recorded historic properties within one mile of 

the project area but did not identify historic properties within the APE. 

In March 2020, Environmental Services Inc., a Terracon Company (ESI) conducted a Historic 

Structures Survey of the APE. The APE is located east of the Des Moines and Raccoon River 

confluences, south of Interstate 235 and east of Highway 69/E 14th Street. The area was 

historically known as “Southeast Bottoms” and Chesterfield.

The Historic Structures Survey consisted of a pedestrian survey and historic architectural 

analysis of all buildings fifty years or older within the APE. Other research included an 

examination of the Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps, available plat maps, historical aerials 

and United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, as well as recent past and 

current street-view images. 

The survey identified fourteen historic resources within the APE for this undertaking. Nine of 

the properties have previous recommendations from SHPO; FRA has agreed with those previous 

recommendations after reviewing the resources, as detailed in the report. For the remaining five 

properties that were not previously recorded, FRA has made determinations of eligibility for 
inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). 

Detailed descriptions of all fourteen properties are included in the Historic Structures Report and 

Iowa Site Inventory Forms which are included with this consultation letter. The table below 

summarizes the properties and FRA’s determinations of eligibility. 

Table 1. Potential Historic Properties within the APE

Site

Inventory

No.

Property 

Name

Property 

Address

Year 

Built

Previous 

Recordation

FRA 

Determination 

of Eligibility

77-03870 Vestal House 601 SE 14th 

Court

1938 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-03895 14th Street 

Viaduct

SR 69, between 

Scott 

Avenue and 

Vine Street

1936 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-07486 House 1108 Scott 

Avenue

1882 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-07491 House 1401 Scott 

Avenue

1901 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-09469 Heartland 

Co-Op

118 SE 18th 

Street

1930 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10698 Wolverine 

World Wide

302 SE 18th 

Street

1958 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10700 C. Amend & 

Sons Meat 

Packing 

Plant

410 SE 18th 

Street

1929 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-10702 United 

House & 

Gate

500 SE 18th 

Street

1941 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10706 House 609 SE 15th 

Court

1900 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-12156* Sun Tool 

Warehouse

305 SE 7th 

Street

1940 No Ineligible

77-12157* Husmann 

Warehouse

09 SE 8th 

Street

1965 & 

1969

No Ineligible

77-12158* Bituminous 

Materials & 

Supply

900 Raccoon 

Street

1950 & 

1973

No Ineligible

77-12159* City of Des 

Moines 

Office & 

Warehouse

1300 Scott 

Avenue

1967 &

1973

No Ineligible
77-12160* Iowa 

Interstate 

Railroad

Northern APE

boundary

Estimated 

mid-1800

No Ineligible

*Newly recorded resources within the APE.

Site Inventory ID 77-12160 is for the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS), which was established in 

the mid-nineteenth century. The IAIS is located along the northern part of the APE. A full 

evaluation of the railroad was outside the scope of this project. The Historic Structures Report 

states that there was no information found to suggest that IAIS is eligible for the NRHP, either 

individually or as contributing to a district. Even if the IAIS were to be determined eligible for 

the NRHP, the proposed undertaking would not impact any aspects of integrity of the railroad. 

The proposed undertaking will be visible from two historic properties within the APE: the 14th

Street Viaduct and the C. Amend & Sons Meat Packing Plant. However, the purpose of the 

project is to construct a new industrial facility within an area historically used for industrial 

activity, and therefore the overall character of the area and the viewsheds will remain unchanged. 

As such, FRA has determined that no historic properties will be adversely affected. A copy of 

the Historic Structures Survey is enclosed. 

Determination of Effect

Given the information described above, FRA has determined that the proposed undertaking 

results in No Adverse Effect. FRA would like to invite your Tribe to participate in this project as 

a consulting party in the Section 106 process. Additionally, FRA requests your input regarding 

any historic properties that have religious and cultural significance to your Tribe that may be 

affected by the project. FRA respectfully requests your concurrence with this determination. If 

you have any questions or concerns, please contact FRA’s Environmental Protection Specialist 

for this project, Amanda Ciampolillo at either 617.494.2173 or amanda.ciampolillo@dot.gov. 

Sincerely,

Katherine Zeringue 

Federal Preservation Officer

Environment and Project Engineering Division 

Office of Railroad Policy and Development

Federal Railroad Administration

cc: Des Moines Industrial, LLC

Amanda Ciampolillo, FRA

Enclosures: 

• Exhibit 1: APE Map

• Archaeology Cultural Resources Desktop Assessment

• Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey 

• Historic Structures Report
E9thSt

Workforce

Building

StateCapitol

CourtAve

SE

7thSt

ScottAve

SE6thSt

gJrPkwy

amondOil

Company

DesMoines

RiverOpen

Space

HistoricEast

Village

E

1

6thSt

E17thSt

LoganAve

DeanAve

E18thSt

EGran

DesMoinesSt

E1

2thSt

EWalnutSt

E

15th

St

DeanAv

CapitalView

Elementary

School

Grimes

Building

LucasBuilding

MercyEast

VillageFamily

Practice

OlaBabcock

Building

CapitolEast

DesMoinesRiver

69

69

ScottAve

SE

9th

St

EVineSt

EMa

S

E1

0th

SE8thSt

St

ShawSt

S

E14thCt

SE15thSt

E15thSt

A

stor

St

E18thSt SE1

8thSt

EWalnutSt

RailroadAve

CourtAve

HarrietSt

Johnson

Ct

MaurySt

SE14t MaurySt hSt E14thSt

ECourtAve

EMartinLutherKingJrPkwy

PineRidgeReal

ESTLLC

Norfol

Southern

S&P

Properties

DarlingNa

LLC

Bituminouis

Material&

Supply,LP

IowaState

Capitol

RichardAClark

Municipal

ServiceCenter

JudicialBranch

Building

Hoover

Building

CityofDes

MoinesFacility

Building

Southeast

WaterTrough

CrivaroPark

77-12156

77-12157

77-12158

77-07486

77-12159

77-07491

77-03870

77-10706

77-10702

77-10698

77-09469

77-10700

77-03895

77-12160

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community, Sources: Esri, HERE,

Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Path: C:\Users\aajdini\OneDrive - Terracon Consultants Inc\Desktop\Home Projects\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility\Maps\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility.aprx Date: 4/1/2020 12:01 PM

E

Polk County, Iowa

Historic Structures Survey

Proposed Railroad Transload Facility

HK207101

Apr 2020

AA

A2

JRN

7220 FINANCIAL WAY, SUITE 100 PDJ

PH. (904) 470-2200

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32256

FAX (904) 470-2112

Disclaimer: The information depicted on this figure is for conceptual purposes only, serves to aid a

licensed engineer or geologist in rendering professional services, and is subject to review and

approval by appropriate regulatory agencies.

Project No.

Date

Drawn By

Checked By

Approved By

Figure No.

0 500 1,000

Feet

Source(s): ESRI World Imagery Basemap

Project Boundary

APE

Historic Structures

Site Plan

Exhibit 1
U.S. Department 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

of Transportation Washington, DC 20590

Federal Railroad 

Administration

April 24, 2020

Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa

Judith Bender, Chairperson

349 Meskwaki Road

Tama, IA 52339

Re: Des Moines Transloading Facility

200 SE 15th Street, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa

Initiation of Section 106 Consultation with Native American Tribal Government

and Finding of No Adverse Effect

Dear Chairperson Bender:

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected the Des Moines Industrial – Transload 

Center to receive grant funding for the construction of a multi-modal transloading facility 

including trackage, docks, and warehousing within the Des Moines Metropolitan Area. 

Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and its implementing 

regulations (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 800) “Protection of Historic Properties” 

(Section 106), this letter is being transmitted: 1) to initiate the Section 106 consultation process 

for the undertaking, 2) to determine if there are any historic properties of religious or cultural 

significance to the Tribe that may be affected by the project, and 3) to seek concurrence from 

your office with FRA’s findings.

FRA, in coordination with Des Moines Industrial, LLC., is preparing an Environmental 

Assessment for the Project in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

and is coordinating the NEPA process with consultation pursuant to Section 106.

Project Background

The concept of a transload facility, where cargo is delivered and transferred between rail and 

trucks, was developed over a decade of study on goods movement in Central Iowa. Several 

studies have concluded that a market exists in Des Moines to support the development of a 

transload facility.

In July 2018, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (DMAMPO) submitted 

an INFRA (Infrastructure for Rebuilding America) Grant Application to the U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT) seeking a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development 

(BUILD) Grant for this project. The application was selected for award of Federal funds in 

November 2018. In April 2019, Des Moines Industrial was formed to design, construct, operate 

and own the transload facility.
Current Undertaking

FRA’s current undertaking involves the construction of a transloading facility north of Martin 

Luther King Parkway in the area of SE 14th Street. The site covers approximately 40-acres and is 

located in the SE 1⁄4 of Section 3 and the SW 1⁄4 of Section 2, Township 78 North, Range 24 West 

in Des Moines, Iowa. The proposed project involves the construction of a railroad transload 

facility, which includes an office/warehouse, a transloading pad, proposed bulk materials

building, stormwater detention ponds, and an outdoor storage area. 

The purpose of the project is to improve the overall freight capacity and railroad options in the 

Des Moines metropolitan area; develop rail centric transportation options for existing businesses; 

expand existing transportation options to attract new industries to the region and support 

economic development in Central Iowa. 

Area of Potential Effects

As defined in National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) § 800.16(d), the Area of Potential 

Effects (APE) means “the geographic area or areas within which an undertaking may directly or 

indirectly cause alteration in the character of use of historic properties, if such properties exist. 

The area of potential effects is influenced by the scale and nature of the undertaking and may be 

different for different kinds of effects caused by the undertaking.”

The APE for archaeology was the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project, while the APE for 

the built environment was the immediate viewshed of the project site location. The Project 

boundary and the APE are shown on Exhibit 1.

Identification and Evaluation of Historic Properties

Archaeology 

A records search request was submitted to the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) for 

information regarding previously identified archaeological sites within or near the proposed 

project area (Iowa Site File Search No. 2020017, August 5, 2019). The records search reported 

that no archaeological sites have been previously recorded within the APE or within 328 feet 

(100 Meters) of the APE. The site file search did note that 45 archaeological sites have been 

identified within one mile of the APE. 

Numerous archaeological sites are known to be in the general vicinity, which suggested there 

was a high level of archaeological potential within the APE. This area is within a former river 

channel of the Des Moines River, and exhibits complex depositional conditions. Because of 

these factors, a desktop assessment was not sufficient to make a recommendation on the 

possibility of cultural resources being present within the project area. Therefore, a

geoarchaeological survey was recommended, which was used to guide a targeted Phase I 

archaeological survey of the proposed project area. A copy of the Archaeology Cultural 

Resources Desktop Assessment is enclosed.

A Geoarchaeological Study was conducted on September 26, 2019. A total of 12 cores were 

extracted and examined, which found that the geomorphological conditions and landforms 

identified within the limits of disturbance (LOD) for the project would not be conducive to long 
term human settlement or occupation of the project area. A copy of the Geoarchaeological Study 

can be found within the enclosed Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey described below.

A Desktop Survey was finalized on November 7, 2019. No cultural resources have been 

previously recorded within the LOD, though it indicates that the western portion of the APE 

potentially contained resources related to a Sauk and Meskwaki Camp from 1841 (HILD 1108). 

A Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey was finalized on November 8, 2019. The survey found 

evidence of extensive ground disturbances throughout the LOD. Such disturbances included the 

continued use of the project area by modern railroads; prior construction and demolition of 

structures; utility and rainwater control infrastructure construction and expansions; and a large 

junkyard, which occupied the eastern half of the project area. The lack of integrity seen at the 

ground surface was determined to extend into subsurface conditions by the geoarchaeological 

report, which found extensive fill deposits overlying the natural soils within the project area. 

This report also found that conditions within the LOD, both in the prehistoric and historical 

periods, would not have been conducive to human occupation, as the landscape was primarily 

wetlands or marsh. The disturbances documented in both the Phase IA and geoarchaeological 

examination of the LOD suggest that it is unlikely for intact cultural deposits to be present which 

can be encountered or identified through standard survey methodologies. If extant 

archaeological resources are present, they are deeply buried and only accessible through 

extensive mechanical excavation of the fill soils within the LOD. As such, a determination of no 

historic properties affected is recommended for archaeology in the APE. A copy of the Phase IA 

Cultural Resources Survey is enclosed.

Built Environment

An informal search of the historical structural inventory maintained by the State Historic 

Preservation Office was conducted by the Iowa SHPO records manager for information 

regarding previously recorded historic properties within or near the project area. This inventory 

reported information on hundreds of previously-recorded historic properties within one mile of 

the project area but did not identify historic properties within the APE. 

In March 2020, Environmental Services Inc., a Terracon Company (ESI) conducted a Historic 

Structures Survey of the APE. The APE is located east of the Des Moines and Raccoon River 

confluences, south of Interstate 235 and east of Highway 69/E 14th Street. The area was 

historically known as “Southeast Bottoms” and Chesterfield.

The Historic Structures Survey consisted of a pedestrian survey and historic architectural 

analysis of all buildings fifty years or older within the APE. Other research included an 

examination of the Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps, available plat maps, historical aerials 

and United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, as well as recent past and 

current street-view images. 

The survey identified fourteen historic resources within the APE for this undertaking. Nine of 

the properties have previous recommendations from SHPO; FRA has agreed with those previous 

recommendations after reviewing the resources, as detailed in the report. For the remaining five 

properties that were not previously recorded, FRA has made determinations of eligibility for 
inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). 

Detailed descriptions of all fourteen properties are included in the Historic Structures Report and 

Iowa Site Inventory Forms which are included with this consultation letter. The table below 

summarizes the properties and FRA’s determinations of eligibility. 

Table 1. Potential Historic Properties within the APE

Site

Inventory

No.

Property 

Name

Property 

Address

Year 

Built

Previous 

Recordation

FRA 

Determination 

of Eligibility

77-03870 Vestal House 601 SE 14th 

Court

1938 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-03895 14th Street 

Viaduct

SR 69, between 

Scott 

Avenue and 

Vine Street

1936 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-07486 House 1108 Scott 

Avenue

1882 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-07491 House 1401 Scott 

Avenue

1901 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-09469 Heartland 

Co-Op

118 SE 18th 

Street

1930 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10698 Wolverine 

World Wide

302 SE 18th 

Street

1958 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10700 C. Amend & 

Sons Meat 

Packing 

Plant

410 SE 18th 

Street

1929 Yes - SHPO 

Recommended 

Eligible

Eligible

77-10702 United 

House & 

Gate

500 SE 18th 

Street

1941 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-10706 House 609 SE 15th 

Court

1900 Yes – SHPO 

Recommended 

Ineligible

Ineligible

77-12156* Sun Tool 

Warehouse

305 SE 7th 

Street

1940 No Ineligible

77-12157* Husmann 

Warehouse

09 SE 8th 

Street

1965 & 

1969

No Ineligible

77-12158* Bituminous 

Materials & 

Supply

900 Raccoon 

Street

1950 & 

1973

No Ineligible

77-12159* City of Des 

Moines 

Office & 

Warehouse

1300 Scott 

Avenue

1967 &

1973

No Ineligible
77-12160* Iowa 

Interstate 

Railroad

Northern APE

boundary

Estimated 

mid-1800

No Ineligible

*Newly recorded resources within the APE.

Site Inventory ID 77-12160 is for the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS), which was established in 

the mid-nineteenth century. The IAIS is located along the northern part of the APE. A full 

evaluation of the railroad was outside the scope of this project. The Historic Structures Report 

states that there was no information found to suggest that IAIS is eligible for the NRHP, either 

individually or as contributing to a district. Even if the IAIS were to be determined eligible for 

the NRHP, the proposed undertaking would not impact any aspects of integrity of the railroad. 

The proposed undertaking will be visible from two historic properties within the APE: the 14th

Street Viaduct and the C. Amend & Sons Meat Packing Plant. However, the purpose of the 

project is to construct a new industrial facility within an area historically used for industrial 

activity, and therefore the overall character of the area and the viewsheds will remain unchanged. 

As such, FRA has determined that no historic properties will be adversely affected. A copy of 

the Historic Structures Survey is enclosed. 

Determination of Effect

Given the information described above, FRA has determined that the proposed undertaking 

results in No Adverse Effect. FRA would like to invite your Tribe to participate in this project as 

a consulting party in the Section 106 process. Additionally, FRA requests your input regarding 

any historic properties that have religious and cultural significance to your Tribe that may be 

affected by the project. FRA respectfully requests your concurrence with this determination. If 

you have any questions or concerns, please contact FRA’s Environmental Protection Specialist 

for this project, Amanda Ciampolillo at either 617.494.2173 or amanda.ciampolillo@dot.gov. 

Sincerely,

Katherine Zeringue 

Federal Preservation Officer

Environment and Project Engineering Division 

Office of Railroad Policy and Development

Federal Railroad Administration

cc: Des Moines Industrial, LLC

Amanda Ciampolillo, FRA

Enclosures: 

• Exhibit 1: APE Map

• Archaeology Cultural Resources Desktop Assessment

• Phase IA Cultural Resources Survey 

• Historic Structures Report
E9thSt

Workforce

Building

StateCapitol

CourtAve

SE

7thSt

ScottAve

SE6thSt

gJrPkwy

amondOil

Company

DesMoines

RiverOpen

Space

HistoricEast

Village

E

1

6thSt

E17thSt

LoganAve

DeanAve

E18thSt

EGran

DesMoinesSt

E1

2thSt

EWalnutSt

E

15th

St

DeanAv

CapitalView

Elementary

School

Grimes

Building

LucasBuilding

MercyEast

VillageFamily

Practice

OlaBabcock

Building

CapitolEast

DesMoinesRiver

69

69

ScottAve

SE

9th

St

EVineSt

EMa

S

E1

0th

SE8thSt

St

ShawSt

S

E14thCt

SE15thSt

E15thSt

A

stor

St

E18thSt SE1

8thSt

EWalnutSt

RailroadAve

CourtAve

HarrietSt

Johnson

Ct

MaurySt

SE14t MaurySt hSt E14thSt

ECourtAve

EMartinLutherKingJrPkwy

PineRidgeReal

ESTLLC

Norfol

Southern

S&P

Properties

DarlingNa

LLC

Bituminouis

Material&

Supply,LP

IowaState

Capitol

RichardAClark

Municipal

ServiceCenter

JudicialBranch

Building

Hoover

Building

CityofDes

MoinesFacility

Building

Southeast

WaterTrough

CrivaroPark

77-12156

77-12157

77-12158

77-07486

77-12159

77-07491

77-03870

77-10706

77-10702

77-10698

77-09469

77-10700

77-03895

77-12160

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community, Sources: Esri, HERE,

Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Path: C:\Users\aajdini\OneDrive - Terracon Consultants Inc\Desktop\Home Projects\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility\Maps\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility\HK207101_Proposed_Railroad_Transload_Facility.aprx Date: 4/1/2020 12:01 PM

E

Polk County, Iowa

Historic Structures Survey

Proposed Railroad Transload Facility

HK207101

Apr 2020

AA

A2

JRN

7220 FINANCIAL WAY, SUITE 100 PDJ

PH. (904) 470-2200

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32256

FAX (904) 470-2112

Disclaimer: The information depicted on this figure is for conceptual purposes only, serves to aid a

licensed engineer or geologist in rendering professional services, and is subject to review and

approval by appropriate regulatory agencies.

Project No.

Date

Drawn By

Checked By

Approved By

Figure No.

0 500 1,000

Feet

Source(s): ESRI World Imagery Basemap

Project Boundary

APE

Historic Structures

Site Plan

Exhibit 1